Bushmills

Bushmills in County Antrim is situated on the north coast along the Giant's Causeway scenic route. The village is 9 miles from Coleraine and gets its name from the River Bush. 

The village is famous for being the home of the Old Bushmills Distillery which produces fine Black Bush blends and single malt whisky. The village is also very near the Giant's Causeway.

For photos of Bushmills click here

Rope Bridge, Carrick-a-Rede

The rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede near Ballintoy is a busy tourist attraction which is owned by the National Trust. It is a rope bridge spanning 20 metres that connects the mainland to a series of rocks. 

The bridge is reputed to have been built by salmon fishermen. There is still a fisherman's cottage perched precariously on the rock face near the bridge complete with fishing boat which has to be lowered by hoist into the water.

The views along the coast at this point are absolutely stunning and on a fine day you can see Rathlin Island and Scotland from this vantage point.

For more photographs of Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge click here or view on You Tube

Carrickfergus

Carrickfergus is just 11 miles from Belfast and it is one of the oldest settlements in Northern Ireland. The town has a harbour and is a busy tourist attraction along the Giant's Causeway route. 

With its pretty little harbour records show that the town was established in 1170 after John de Courcy, an Anglo Norman Knight, invaded Ulster and built Carrickfergus Castle on the 'Rock of Fergus' in 1177. The castle is one of the best preserved Norman castles in Ireland.

For more photos of Carrickfergus click here or view on You Tube

Coleraine

Coleraine near the River Bann in the county of Londonderry is a prosperous town with some of the highest property prices in Northern Ireland. The town centre is vibrant and attractive and this busy town is situated along the Giant's Causeway coastal route.

Due to its location the town benefits from tourism and it prides itself in being the best kept town in Northern Ireland. Coleraine has a large number of Polish residents. 

Downhill Demesne

Downhill Mansion House was built in the 18th century for Frederick Hervey the Bishop of Derry. Destroyed by fire it was rebuilt in 1851 only to fall into decay and disrepair after the Second World War. The property and the surrounding grounds are now part of the National Trust.

The Mussenden Temple  formed part of the huge estate that cost an enormous £80,000 to build, a fortune in those days. The entrance to the estate was via the Lion's Gate which still stands. During the Second World War the house was used by the RAF. 

For more photos of Downhill Demesne click here or view on  You Tube